Does it hurt?
No. Reid Medical use only the smallest, finest needles for this procedure, and they are very gentle. There are some clients who actually enjoy the feeling of anti-wrinkle injections!
Over the last decade, the beauty industry has seen a significant increase of both men and women seeking an alternative to anti-ageing treatments. Anti-wrinkle injections – most commonly known as Toxin – have been the most popular cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles since its FDA approval in 2002. These injections have also been used medically to treat migraines and severe headaches, and excessive underarm perspiration.
Relatively painless and affordable, the effect of anti-wrinkle injections can be seen within a few days, and the results can last up to several months. Results can vary and are dependent upon the individual. Anti-wrinkle injections can also be used in conjunction with dermal fillers and chemical peels to further improve your results.
Where can anti-wrinkle injections be used?
Wherever you wish to remove wrinkles, including:
• Forehead
• Frown lines
• Side of the eyes (crows feet)
• Chin Dimples
• Downward smile
• Gummy smile
• Excessive underarm sweating
• Neck lift
• Smokers lines
• Bunny lines (fine wrinkles that appear when you scrunch up your nose)
What is Botulinum Toxin Type A?
Botulinum Toxin Type A, most commonly known as it trade name Toxin, has been used safely in medicine since 1920, and was approved for cosmetic purposes by the FDA in 2002.
Toxin is produced by a bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum. The toxin works by blocking signals to the injected muscle, temporarily stopping the muscle from moving. This, in turn, stop the skin from contracting, causing the wrinkles to disappear or soften. It also works on glands to stop the production of excessive perspiration in certain areas.
Results typically last three months, but results will vary from person to person; some individuals may only see results from two months, whereas others may see results lasting six months. However, this is rare.
No. Reid Medical use only the smallest, finest needles for this procedure, and they are very gentle. There are some clients who actually enjoy the feeling of anti-wrinkle injections!
Each individual is different, so times will vary depending on the person. On average, you should start to see a difference within a week but the full results will be visible after two-three weeks.
This does depend on the individual as everyone is different. Typically, the average is three months but the range is between two and six months.
Toxin irreversibly binds to receptors that send nerve signals for our muscles to contract. Since our bodies make new receptors and neurotransmitters constantly, each patient will experience different lengths of effectiveness depending on how long it takes their body to recover. Both the uptake of toxin, and how it wears off, is gradual. You won’t wake up one day to find your wrinkles have returned! It is important to note that it is completely normal to get some movement back within eight weeks, as this is the process of receptors regenerating. Wrinkles won’t appear for some time afterwards.
Toxin is predominantly used for the upper third of the face, so from the eyes upwards. We typically have three areas: frown, forehead and side of the eyes (crow’s feet). Toxin can also be used to help with the lower face, to assist with lifting and softening. it can also be used as a treatment for headaches and excessive perspiring from the underarms.
As with any injection, there can be some redness and swelling in the area, which typically fades within an hour. Occasionally, a vessel can be hit, which will produce a small bruise. In this case, arnica gel and concealer is recommended. Sometimes, a muscle can go into spasm, which can lead to headaches. This is usually relieved by pain killers. As the toxin is used medically for the treatment of chronic headaches and migraines, you should feel some relief if you are a sufferer. Ptosis, a droop or heavy feeling in the eye or brow, can be caused by toxin. You will be treated conservatively for your first time, and topped up as needed to adjust the dose, in order to prevent this from happening.
A full consultation will determine how much you need. A review is offered free of charge, but this must take place between two and four weeks post injection.
It is essential that you do your research on your practitioner of choice, and ask yourself the following questions: are they medically trained? Are they insured? What products do they use? Do they offer two week reviews? Where have they sourced their products? Have you seen a prescriber for your consultation? Good Toxin isn’t cheap. Cheap Toxin isn’t good.